THE ROMANTIC'S CELLO
Review of August 2025 Concert
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SMCO’s recent mid-winter concert featured Dvorak’s Serenade for Winds, Cello and Double bass, Haydn’s Symphony No 100 and Schumann’s Cello Concerto, with Lev Sivkov as soloist. Sivkov, truly international, was born in Russia, has lived, studied and performed in Switzerland, Germany, USA, Denmark and England. He has been performing at various concert venues in NZ this year. It was a huge privilege for orchestra and audience alike to hear him play at St Matthew’s.
The orchestra was conducted by Michael Joel with Indiana Williamson as guest concertmaster.
Dvorak’s Serenade is a work of grace and humour with an andante tinged with melancholy. Although some of the movements are frequently played gems the whole work is not often performed, so it was a very welcome opportunity for SMCO’s woodwind section to showcase their rich talents. David Nation’s contribution on the Contrabassoon was a real treat.
Robert Schumann’s Cello Concerto in A minor Op.129 provided Sivkov with a broad palette of colour. Three wind chords led directly into the cello theme. Sivkov’s beauty of tone, and the gloriously rich quality in his playing made for a very special performance. His enthusiastic and virtuosic bowing, spiccato and triple stopping were absolute treats, as was the mellowness throughout the whole register of his instrument.
The performance received an ecstatic reception for both soloist and orchestra – so well deserved. Sivkov raised his cello in the air as if to acknowledge its right to the applause.
Haydn’s Symphony No.100 in G ‘Military’ was written for his second visit to London in the 1790s. The military rhythms and themes were greeted with patriotic fervour by the London audiences and were as warmly received by the Auckland audience of 2025. Timpani, bass drum, military bugle, percussion, cheerful brass and woodwinds all added to the richness of the mix. Haydn is always a favourite with SMCO audiences. Another very pleasurable concert.
Review by Rogan Falla